Banque de Corée
South Korea logs record current account surplus in March
Rapporté par l'IA Image générée par IA
The Bank of Korea reported that South Korea posted its largest-ever monthly current account surplus of $37.33 billion in March, driven by strong semiconductor exports.
New Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol agreed on Thursday to bolster policy coordination amid market volatility from the Middle East crisis during their first meeting in Seoul. They emphasized the need for aligned monetary and fiscal policies amid tensions between growth and inflation. Discussions will continue on foreign exchange stability and structural reforms.
Rapporté par l'IA
South Korea's real GDP jumped 1.7 percent in Q1 2026 from the prior quarter—the strongest growth in 5½ years—despite Middle East tensions, easily topping the Bank of Korea's 0.9 percent forecast on robust exports and steady domestic demand. Part of the rebound following 2025's modest 1% annual expansion (see prior article in series).
Foreign currency deposits in South Korea rose for a second consecutive month in December, hitting an all-time high amid weakness in the won. According to Bank of Korea data, outstanding deposits held by residents reached $119.43 billion, up $1.59 billion from the previous month. The surge reflects increased dollar holdings by companies and individuals due to currency volatility.
Rapporté par l'IA
South Korea's gross domestic product grew 1 percent in 2025 from the previous year, according to Bank of Korea data, but the fourth quarter saw an unexpected 0.3 percent contraction. Strong exports drove the annual figure despite weakness in construction. This marks half the 2 percent expansion of 2024.
Un sondage montre que plus de neuf experts obligataires sur dix estiment que la Banque de Corée maintiendra son taux directeur à 2,5 % pour la quatrième fois consécutive cette semaine. Des facteurs tels qu'une révision à la hausse des prévisions de croissance économique et la faiblesse persistante du won coréen soutiennent cette perspective. La réunion de la banque centrale pour fixer les taux est prévue jeudi.